§ 33. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked what use is intended to be made of the increased quantity of straw which will result from the increased acreage under oats and wheat?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Winfrey)Much of the increased quantity of straw will be oat-straw, which will be directly used in stock feeding. With regard to the remainder, the Board are supervising experiments at various centres as to the best methods of converting straw into fodder and manure, and the preliminary results 1237 of these are satisfactory. The Board understand that the Ministry of Munitions are developing a scheme for the utilisation of straw in the manufacture of strawboard and paper, an outlet which may require a large quantity of raw material.
§ Mr. J. O'CONNORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have commandeered all the oaten straw in Ireland, and that there is now none left for the feeding purposes for cattle?
§ Sir R. WINFREYI am not sure, but I think that is only for Army purposes.